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"We stopped on our way home from Des Moines to Minnesota for lunch.
The exterior has old world charm with rusted bikes with baskets arranged out front.
Inside, it's dark with Irish music playing and has an Irish Pub feel to it.
Waiter was very good- I asked for his opinion when trying to decide be..."tween two menu options- he steered me toward the Bangers & Mash and he was spot on! The sausage came from a local farm and was excellent. My husband had a Reuben that was very good.
We also ordered the cheese balls which were on special and they were very good as well.
We recommend stopping if you are in the area.
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"Hickory Park is definitely the "most famous" eatery local to Ames area. It features long lines and very respectable barbecue at a very reasonable price tag.
Large portions and good service as well as good flavors and a full menu bring people back here.
Consider avoiding during any gametime e..."vents at Iowa State or expect a LONG line.
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"Our party ordered one of their specialty breakfast and it was one of the best I have ever eaten. The quality of the food was outstanding as was the service. If you are in Ames I would suggest checking out this place."

"This restaurant is one of my family and friends' favorite restaurants in Ames, Iowa. We have visited the restaurant many times and have never had a bad meal. The Pad Thai and Thai Fried Rice are amazing. If you have room for dessert, the fried banana is fantastic. As one might expect, the lunch ..."menu is less expensive than the dinner menu.
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"Great atmosphere, friendly service (until it was time for the check....which took forEVER!). Everyone at our table was very pleased with their food. The steak on my salad was tender and cooked perfectly. I had a Clone beer (pale ale), which had a strange bitter aftertaste - not sure if it was an o..."bscure/funky hop, or if there was some oxidation/infection. I would go here again, if just for the food/atmosphere.
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"When we are in town, we always visit The Café for many reasons. The food is always great, I've had a dish many times and the consistency always there! The menu changes which is really an appeal for us as we like to try out new dishes. They have a nice bar area to sit and refresh while waiting for..." a table. Service is very high as well.
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"This restaurant is relatively new to Ames. The interior vibe of the restaurant is metro chic. If you are seeking an intimate restaurant with a limited menu, small portion sizes, and entrées with unique food group combinations, this restaurant is worth checking out."

"This restaurant is definitely an Ames local favorite! The food is always prepared to perfection. One really cannot go wrong with ordering anything on the menu. An all-time favorite, however, is the tequila chicken fettuccine - a must if you haven't had previously!"

"One cannot go to Ames, Iowa without eating lunch or dinner at this HUGE, outstanding, delicious, mouthwatering, amazing, superior BBQ restaurant. It is just the best and rivals anything in the South. The ice cream menu is also incredible! Be prepared for a very long wait to get in. No reservatio..."ns.
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"Menu has a variety of burgers, and enough other offerings to satisfy those who don't want a burger, without being overwhelming. Beer selection is extensive. Service was prompt and friendly. My Caesar side salad had nice crisp romaine lettuce, which was a pleasant surprise after eating in other loc..."al establishments this week. :)
I had the bacon blue cheese burger. I can't verify what cheese came on it - it really looked like monterey jack. The burger was good but a little overdone; I realized after the fact that no one at the table was asked how they liked their burgers cooked, which I think is a little unusual for a burger joint!
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"This is a very large restaurant and a little on the noisy side. We arrived early enough we didn't have to wait to be seated but by the time we left the place was packed and there was a long line. Their homemade Polish Sausage is amazing. I didn't want to order just that for fear it might be a lit..."tle dry so I had the regular order of ribs with a 6 oz sausage. I have to say the ribs disappointed me but the sausage did not. The ribs tended to be on the dry side, I personally would not order them again but the sausage is a must. The rest of our party had wonderful food. The portions are large and there is a wide variety of sides to pick from. The three bean salad is great and the potato salad is some of the better that I have had in a restaurant.
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"This place is huge and a little on the noisy side (because there are so many patrons there), but the food was great. My wife and I ate here the night before my birthday, and the staff brought me a nice ice cream dish and sang "Happy Birthday." Great food, friendly staff, great service."

"I knew the pizza was going to be good from past experiences, but my sandwich was great as well. You can't find a BLT with as much bacon as theirs has (called the BBLT for all of the bacon). The service was excellent and the atmosphere was family friendly."

"Inexpensive food, extensive menu, service was prompt for our table of 10, and all the orders were correct. The food came relatively quickly, and everyone seemed happy with their order. Salsa that came with chips was delicious!"

"This restaurant is iconic. The food is great. I always get a half chicken white meat, with mashed potatoes and applesauce. My husband gets ribs, Coleslaw and Baked Beans. Yum!
There may be a line but you never have to wait long. The service is excellent."

"This restaurant is where everyone needs to go at least once to experience the menu of an Ames famous place! So many choices of barbeque, ice cream, and sodas. My friend had a green river phosphate and was very impressed with it. Everything is good, it's always very busy no matter when you go and ..."the staff are very friendly. It can be too loud though.
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